No More Typing in the Resident Registration Number

Starting from 2007, internet users will have to use methods other than the resident registration number when joining a website or being verified as adults online.

Currently, users must type in their resident registration number for real name verification online. The change of rules is aimed at preventing leakage or abuse of private information due to the current system.

The Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC) said it proposed five alternatives to the resident registration number at the “Public Hearing for the Adoption of Alternatives to the Use of Resident Registration Number Online” which it hosted on Monday at the National Computerization Agency in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The proposed alternatives are virtual registration number, green button (issuance of an identification certificate), official certificate, personal ID certification, and registration number using a personal certification key.

The MOIC recommended online enterprises to use one or more of the five alternatives, but it decided to phase in the new methods, starting with pilot services and new memberships or new service memberships.

In addition, the MOIC plans to make the use of alternatives mandatory for adult verification, game player age verification, and Internet real name verification starting in the second half of next year (July to December) and expand the mandatory use to all sectors in 2007.

Do-Young Kim nirvana1@donga.com